How do you like your Shrimp and Grits prepared? (I need tips!)

So, I am a recent convert to the deliciousness that is shrimp and grits, but have never made it for myself. I'm going to attempt to cook it tonight for some friends using this recipe: Shrimp and Grits.

Here are my questions: All the other recipes that I read said that it takes an hour to cook the grits, but this one says 25 minutes (using stone-ground grits). Does that seem right to anyone? Also, do you think that this will be totally ruined if I don't use bacon/bacon fat/ham? How do you like your shrimp and grits?